Bromophenol Bis (2,3,6-Tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) Ether Protects HaCaT Skin Cells from Oxidative Damage via Nrf2-Mediated Pathways

Abstract

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) promotes the oxidative stress of keratinocytes, eventually causing cell damage. The natural bromophenol bis (2,3,6-tribromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzyl) ether (BTDE) from marine red algae has been reported to have a varied bioactivity; however, its antioxidant effect has yet to be investigated systemically. Our present work aimed to explore the antioxidant effect of BTDE both on the molecular and cellular models and also to illustrate the antioxidant mechanisms. Our results showed that BTDE could effectively scavenge ABTS free radicals and protect HaCaT cells from damage induced by H2O2. Mechanism studies in HaCaT cells demonstrated that BTDE attenuated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced ROS production, reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, decreased the oxidized glutathione (GSSG)/glutathione (GSH) ratio, and increased the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, BTDE could inhibit the expression of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and increase the expression of both nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins TrXR1, HO-1, and NQO1. BTDE also activated the upstream signaling pathway of Nrf2 such as AKT pathway, while not activating the ERK or AMPKα pathways. In general, BTDE is a promising antioxidant to protect HaCaT cells against oxidative damage via Nrf2-mediated pathways.